Grand River Hospital Districthttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org
your health. your life. our mission.Fri, 31 Jul 2015 22:20:23 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.6Kenda Spaulding with Grand River Health’s E Dene Moore Care Centerhttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/07/17/kenda-spaulding-with-grand-river-healths-e-dene-moore-care-center/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/07/17/kenda-spaulding-with-grand-river-healths-e-dene-moore-care-center/#commentsFri, 17 Jul 2015 22:45:48 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=10786July 20, 2015, Rifle Colo.: Kenda Spaulding is the Assistant Administrator and Director of Person Centered Care at the Grand River Health’s E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle. Kenda is a member of a leadership team at the E. Dene Moore Care Center, a facility that has achieved a 5 Star rating for the past two years, and which achieved an AHCA Bronze Quality Award in 2014. In addition to her work at the E. Dene Moore Care Center, she has served the long term care profession as a consultant, a social worker and an art therapist. As an active member of the Colorado Health Care Association, Kenda has presented at numerous CHCA educational classes and is a participant in the Quality Initiatives and Leadership Council and the CHCA Education Committee.

Since 2004 the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) have hosted Long Term Care (LTC) professionals in an annual Future Leaders program. The year-long program kicks off with a two day symposium “Future Leaders of Long Term Care in America” held each year in July in Washington, DC. Selected participants have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in representing the interests of LTC providers at the state and national levels. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership.

By participating in this program, members of each Future Leaders class will be better prepared to serve in vital roles within AHCA/NCAL and on behalf of the entire profession. By honing their knowledge and leadership skills these future leaders will help to advance quality and promote the profession’s mission of providing the highest quality, resident-centered care for frail, elderly, and disabled Americans.
Grand River Health serves Western Garfield County, Colo. in an effort to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. Grand River Health operates Grand River Hospital and Medical Center, E. Dene Moore Care Center, Clinic West in Battlement Mesa, Grand River Student Health Centers in Rifle and Parachute. Grand River’s focus is on offering meaningful clinical, community outreach, and exceptional, local health care. For more information, please visit www.grandriverhealth.org.

]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/07/17/kenda-spaulding-with-grand-river-healths-e-dene-moore-care-center/feed/0Grand River Health Welcomes Dr. Heath Cotter to Family Medicine Team in Riflehttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/07/06/grand-river-health-welcomes-dr-heath-cotter-to-family-medicine-team-in-rifle/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/07/06/grand-river-health-welcomes-dr-heath-cotter-to-family-medicine-team-in-rifle/#commentsMon, 06 Jul 2015 17:32:54 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=10675July 6, 2015, Rifle Colo.: It is with great pleasure that Grand River Health in Rifle announces the addition of Dr. Heath Cotter to Grand River’s Family Medicine Team.
Dr. Cotter received his Bachelor of Science from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He received his Doctor of Medicine in 2007 from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and went on to complete his residency at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Most recently, Dr. Cotter practiced as an Emergency Physician at Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, TX. Prior to that, he spent 4 years in private practice in the Texas panhandle where he maintained an outpatient clinic, hospital practice, provided nursing home and hospice care in addition to working in the local ER. Dr. Cotter is Board Certified in Family Medicine.
Dr. Cotter was born in Monte Vista, Colorado and raised in TX, however both sides of his family have roots in Colorado, dating back to the 1880’s. The vast majority of West Texas is very rural with few healthcare options. This area has so much more to offer the community.”
Dr. Cotter has moved to Parachute with his wife Sabina, their three children, and an Australian Shepard. The entire Cotter family adores Colorado and they have many family members on the Western Slope have visited yearly. Cotter shared his family had the opportunity to stay overnight in Silt a couple of years ago. When asked what drew him to rural medicine and Grand River Health, Dr. Cotter says, “We have been searching for an opportunity in Western Colorado. I was told about lots of options on the Front Range, but we knew that was not where we wanted to be.When the call came from the recruiter about an opportunity in Rifle, I knew exactly where they were talking about!” exclaimed Cotter. The Cotters plan to explore every nook and cranny of the Western Slope through hiking and camping. “I can’t believe we get to live here!” he adds.
What does he look forward to most as a family physician at Grand River Health? “I look forward to building a relationship with my patients. I think the more a patient understands their disease, the more they can take ownership of their health. My job as a physician is to help my patients understand their diseases and teach them how to take control of their health, so they can live long, fruitful, and productive lives.”
“We are very happy to welcome Dr. Cotter to Grand River Health. He will be a huge asset to Grand River and a great fit for both our patients and our organization. Dr. Cotter will play a big part in assisting us to continue to grow our Family Medicine program. ” says Lois Kame, Administrative Director of Clinics.
Dr. Cotter began seeing patients at Grand River Health Clinic 2 in Rifle, July 6th.
Grand River Health serves Western Garfield County, Colo. in an effort to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. Grand River Health operates Grand River Hospital and Medical Center, E. Dene Moore Care Center, Clinic West in Battlement Mesa, Grand River Student Health Centers in Rifle and Parachute. Grand River’s focus is on offering meaningful clinical, community outreach, and exceptional, local health care. For more information, please visit www.grandriverhealth.org.
]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/07/06/grand-river-health-welcomes-dr-heath-cotter-to-family-medicine-team-in-rifle/feed/0American Sentinel University and Colorado Hospital Association Name April Colorado Health Care Starhttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/06/08/american-sentinel-university-and-colorado-hospital-association-name-april-colorado-health-care-star/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/06/08/american-sentinel-university-and-colorado-hospital-association-name-april-colorado-health-care-star/#commentsMon, 08 Jun 2015 22:58:45 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=10504AURORA, Colo. – June x, 2015 – American Sentinel University and the Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) recently named Lynda Steinbach, RN, BSN at Grand River Health CHA as the April Colorado Health Care Stars Award Winner recognizing Steinbach as an exceptional health care professional.

Colorado Health Care Stars is a new statewide health care professional award recognition program sponsored by American Sentinel University and CHA. The program was launched in February 2015 to acknowledge clinical professionals in Colorado who exceeds expectations in the delivery of health care.

Steinbach, an Education Coordinator and Emergency Preparedness Director, has been at Grand River Health for 16 years and during that time she has demonstrated a passion for high-quality care.

In the past two years, Steinbach worked with the local EMS to develop an innovative education program that taught CPR to 1363 members of the community. Prior to implementing this project, in 2012, 25 percent of cardiac arrest patients who arrived in Grand River’s Emergency Department had bystander CPR. In 2014, the rate was 100 percent.

Also, Steinbach helped facilitate an active shooter drill that includes 154 participants across two counties and several key stakeholder groups.

“Lynda is constantly looking for grants and other means to enhance the nursing education programs at Grand River. She constantly shares new and innovative ideas when challenged with resolving problems or educational needs,” says Erin Muck, Chief Nursing Officer at Grand River Health CHA. “In the past year, she has obtained multiple learning opportunities for our nursing staff and is responsible for organizing very complex skills days for nursing twice a year to support evidence-based care and quality improvement and truly is a nursing leader that exceeds all expectations in the delivery of patient care.”

Nominate The Next Colorado Health Care Stars Winner
Nominate an exceptional clinical professional. Complete the nomination submission form at http://www.chacareercenter.com/Employers/Employer-Items/Colorado-Healthcare-Heroes.aspx

Each month CHA draws from the pool of nominees and chooses individual that will be featured the following month on the CHA Career Center website, receive a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of American Sentinel University and be entered into a drawing at the end of the year for a monetary scholarship toward an accredited health care certificate or degree at American Sentinel University.

“American Sentinel is honored to recognize the efforts of nursing leaders, like Lynda Steinbach who tirelessly work to make a difference in their community,” says Chris Wolfe, director of program management at American Sentinel University.

Learn more about American Sentinel University’s online degree programs at http://www.americansentinel.edu/nursing or call 866.922.5690.

About American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University delivers the competitive advantages of accredited online degree programs in nursing, informatics, MBA Healthcare, DNP Executive Leadership and DNP Educational Leadership. Its affordable, flexible bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission for the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), of One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036. The DNP program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) of 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Ga., 30326. The university is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), of 1601 18th St., NW, Suite 2, Washington, D.C. 20009. The Accrediting Commission of DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For required student consumer information, please visit: http://www.americansentinel.edu/doe

About the Colorado Hospital Association
The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) represents 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout Colorado. CHA partners with its members to work towards health reform and performance improvement, and provides advocacy and representation at the state and federal level. Colorado hospitals and health systems are committed to providing coverage and access to safe, high-quality and affordable health care. In addition, Colorado hospitals have a tremendous impact on the state’s economic stability and growth, contributing to nearly every community across the state with 72,000 employees statewide.

“Grand River Health is proud to be one of 18 organizations to be selected through a competitive application process to provide safety-net breast cancer care for the women and men of Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin Counties who have no other resources to access these services,” said Lindsay Jacox Mammography Supervisor, Grand River Health.

“Thanks to this grant, Grand River Health will be able to provide more than 50 breast screening and diagnostic services to women and men in need as well as partner with Calaway Young Cancer Center to provide 4 individuals with comprehensive breast cancer treatment in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin Counties,” Mammography Supervisor, Lindsay Jacox said.

About Grand River Health
Grand River Health serves Western Garfield County, Colo. In an effort to improve the health and well- being of local communities. Grand River operates Grand River Hospital and Medical Center, E. Dene Moore Care Center, Battlement Mesa Medical Clinic, Grand River Health and Safety Center in Parachute and Grand River Student Health Centers in Rifle and Parachute. Grand River’s focus is on offering meaningful clinical, community outreach, and exceptional, local health care. For more information, please visit www.grandriverhealth.org.

About Susan G. Komen® and Komen Colorado
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen [and its affiliates have] funded more than $847 million in research and provided $1.8 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life.

Komen Colorado is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. Through events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, Komen Colorado has awarded $41 million in grants to more than 100 Colorado-based organizations since 1991. Seventy-five percent of net proceeds raised by Komen Colorado are invested in the local community in the form of grants to support local breast health programs. Twenty-five percent of net revenues support national breast cancer research.

]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/06/08/grand-river-health-receives-76000-from-susan-g-komen-colorado-to-provide-local-breast-cancer-care/feed/0May is Mental Health Awareness Month by Susan Ross, MSSW, LCSWhttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/05/15/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-by-susan-ross-mssw-lcsw/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/05/15/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-by-susan-ross-mssw-lcsw/#commentsFri, 15 May 2015 23:05:41 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=10351With all the recent media about mental health issues in our County and State, the timing of May as Mental Health Awareness month couldn’t be better. This year’s theme from Mental Health America is “B4Stage4”. Meaning, just as you wouldn’t wait years to treat diabetes, cancer or heart disease, you shouldn’t wait until you, or a loved one, gets to a stage 4 mental health crisis before getting help. Research shows that people ignore mental health symptoms on an average of 10 years before getting help. These are 10 ten years in which we could intervene in order to change people’s lives for the better. During these years, most people have supports that allow them to succeed-home, family, friends, school and work. The longer people wait to get help, the more likely they will have lost some of their supports.
This Mental Health Month, Grand River Mental Health providers are encouraging everyone to learn the signs, ask for help if needed and focus on prevention/mental health self care. At stage 1, often times people experience mild symptoms or a sense that something is just not right. These symptoms might not be serious, just like a cough that comes and goes. But sometimes they are a sign of something more severe and shouldn’t be ignored. At stage 2, symptoms increase and begin to interfere with life activities and roles. Some symptoms to be aware of are; decrease in pleasurable activities, feeling low or anxious, or feeling like you can’t shut your mind off. Mental Health America has online screening tools for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder at mhascreening.org. Your mental health therapists at Grand River Health also have the screening tools and would be happy to meet with you for an individualized assessment.
Grand River mental health providers encourage everyone to focus on wellness; mental and physical. The key components of self-care are as follows;
• Manage stress. Be kind to yourself and take time for yourself every day.
• Use relaxation techniques such as breath work and mindfulness practices
• Stay connected to others. Develop and engage in healthy relationships
• Exercise. Physical activity reduces health risks and lessens symptoms associated with mental health issues
• Eat a healthy diet. Nutrition is linked to emotional, physical and cognitive health.
• Get enough sleep. Establish a regular bedtime routine.
• Give back to others in your community and in your life.

Grand River Health has four licensed clinical mental health professionals in Rifle and Battlement Mesa/Parachute clinics that provide mental health assessments and treatment in Grand River’s Integrated Care Program working in coordination with your primary care providers. Appointments can be made by calling 625-1100 in Rifle and 285-7046 in Battlement Mesa/Parachute.

]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/05/15/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-by-susan-ross-mssw-lcsw/feed/0The Facts About Fluoride, by Dr. Colby Quintenzhttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/04/14/the-facts-about-fluoride-by-dr-colby-quintenz/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/04/14/the-facts-about-fluoride-by-dr-colby-quintenz/#commentsTue, 14 Apr 2015 22:55:51 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=10047Any parent shudders at the thought of his or her child being taken to the operating room. The strange environment and separation is frightening to children, and parents worry about the risks of anesthesia and surgery. The pain of recovery and the time lost from work and school only add to the anxiety.
Yet here in Rifle, children are being exposed to these risks too often. In the last 5 years, children have gone to the Grand River Health operating room for many different reasons. Ear tubes, broken bones and tonsillectomies are among the most common, but repair of cavities outnumbered them all. In fact, the youngest kids in Rifle are going to the operating room to have their cavities repaired more than all other reasons combined.
In addition to the pain and suffering associated with costly repairs, kids who have had multiple cavities are at risk for life long health problems- infections, heart disease, even delivering a baby prematurely have all been linked to poor dental health. Healthy teeth are important to all aspects of a healthy body. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist regularly help combat decay, but they are only part of the solution.
The city of Rifle has an opportunity to reduce tooth decay by 30 to 50 percent by taking a simple step and adding fluoride to the water. Ten years ago, the city stopped fluoridating. Local doctors and dentists want to see fluoride return. In fact, every single dentist and primary care physician who practices in Rifle supports fluoridation.
All water has fluoride naturally, but the level varies. Rifle already has some fluoride, but it’s not enough to reduce tooth decay. For the past 80 years, communities without enough fluoride have been safely adding to what is naturally there for maximum dental health. The number of communities choosing to add fluoride continues to grow- currently more than 75 percent of all Americans have fluoridated water.
There are those who don’t support fluoridation, but they’re up against an overwhelming scientific consensus. Over 3,000 medical and dental studies have proven the safety of fluoride and its effectiveness in preventing cavities. The Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Surgeon General all strongly support fluoridation. Learn the facts and help your community make the right decision.
Dr Colby Quintenz is a Pediatrician at Grand River Health
]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/04/14/the-facts-about-fluoride-by-dr-colby-quintenz/feed/0Nutrition and Your Health, by Dr. Laurie Marbashttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/03/18/nutrition-and-your-health-by-dr-laurie-marbas/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/03/18/nutrition-and-your-health-by-dr-laurie-marbas/#commentsWed, 18 Mar 2015 18:07:59 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=9873This month we celebrate National Nutrition Month and Colorectal Cancer Month and we will discuss how they are intertwined.. According to the Centers for Disease Control of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women. In 2010 there were 131,607 people in the United States diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 52,045 people in the United States died from it.
Even as saddening as those statistics are there is hope at the end of your fork. Healthy nutrition is absolutely essential in preventing colon cancer. When meats are cooked at a higher temperature such as pan fried and grilling there is a release of mutagenic compounds, the heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Besides colon cancer these cooked meat carcinogens are also associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
So what should you be eating? According to the American Cancer Society, “Overall, diets that are high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (and low in red and processed meats) have been linked with lower colorectal cancer risk, although it’s not exactly clear which factors are important.”
You might be wondering if this is possible. Changing your entire diet to one that excludes any animal products can be daunting for anyone but it can be done and it pays huge dividends in the end. There are some wonderful resources to help you such as the Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine and their 21 day Kick Start program. http://pcrm.org/kickstartHome/.
If transitioning to a completely whole foods plant based diet is too much at this time at least consider increasing your vegetable and fruit intake. Only 32.5% of Americans eat 2 or more servings of fruit per day and only 26.3% consume 3 or more vegetable servings per day. The recommended amount vegetables and fruits (combined) is 5-9 servings per day. It doesn’t take much effort to eat oatmeal with berries in the morning, a large salad for lunch, some bell pepper and hummus for lunch and more vegetables served at dinner and before you know it you just decreased your risks for colon cancer!
]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/03/18/nutrition-and-your-health-by-dr-laurie-marbas/feed/0Garfield County Suicide Prevention Coalition…Need Help? Click Here!http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/02/13/garfield-county-suicide-prevention-coalition-need-help-click-here/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/02/13/garfield-county-suicide-prevention-coalition-need-help-click-here/#commentsSat, 14 Feb 2015 00:15:39 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=9666Suicide Prevention Coalition
of Garfield County
Building Awareness, Preventing Suicide
WHERE CAN I FIND HELP???
For immediate help call:
Aspen Hope Center Hopeline
970-925-5858
OR
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
For specific help within your specific population you can also contact one of the numbers or click on the websites below, but DO SOMETHING! There is hope for your life and we can help you find it!
Aspen Hope Center Hopeline
970-925-5858

http://www.aspenvalleyfoundation.org/aspenhopecenter.php

Mantherapy.org
Mental Healthcare and Suicide Prevention for men
www.Mantherapy.org

As a coalition we exist to offer suicide prevention education. That is our main focus. Our task force is focused on protecting lives in our valley. Each community representative on the coalition brings a unique and valuable skill set with them to the team. By working together, we can reach out to our community, increase awareness, provide hope, and prevent suicide. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Garfield County provides businesses, schools, non-profits, and government groups suicide prevention trainings.

Warning Signs
Warning Signs
• Signs of depression
• Sadness
• Loss of sleep or excessive sleep
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Sense of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Noticeable change in behavior
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Decline in performance of work, school, or other activities
• Reckless behavior
• Giving away favorite possessions
• Purchase of gun or pills
• Sudden happiness after prolonged depression
• Preoccupation with death and dying
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Statements like, “you won’t have to worry about me anymore,” “I want to go to sleep and never wake up.”
• Threats of suicide
Risk Factors
• Previous suicide attempt
• Divorce, separation, or broken relationship
• Substance abuse
• Loss of health (real or imagined)
• Death or terminal illness of a loved one
• Loss of job, home, money
• Family history of suicide
• Depression
• Someone close to individual has completed suicide What TO Do
• Take suicide threats seriously
• Ask questions, directly: “Are you feeling suicidal?”
• Listen in a non-judgmental way- “I’m here for you, “let’s talk”
• Take action- get individual connected with professional help
• Discourage use of alcohol or drugs as a solution
What NOT To Do
• Do not keep suicide threats a secret
• Do not act shocked or condemn
• Do not point out how much better off they are than others
• Do not interject your own problems and feelings
• Do not minimize the person’s feelings and do not offer simple solutions
• Do not leave the person alone
• Do not try to be a therapist- get professional help
• Validate! “That feeling must be so uncomfortable.”

]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/02/13/garfield-county-suicide-prevention-coalition-need-help-click-here/feed/0Measles, What You Need to Know by Dr. Laurie Marbashttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/02/04/measles-what-you-need-to-know-by-dr-laurie-marbas/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/02/04/measles-what-you-need-to-know-by-dr-laurie-marbas/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 00:33:26 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=9602It is hard to imagine that just over 50 years ago there was not a measles vaccine available in the United States and most children contracted measles by age 15. That means that approximately 3 to 4 million Americans were infected annually, that 400 to 500 died, 48,000 ended up in the hospital and 4,000 developed encephalitis which is swelling of the brain according to the CDC. Even though measles was declared eliminated (absence of continuous disease transmission for greater than 12 months) in the United States in 2000 we continue to have outbreaks with the largest occurring last year with 644 cases. This year we already have 84 cases that have been linked to an outbreak at Disneyland in California. Although, the investigation is ongoing it appears the majority of infected individuals were not vaccinated.

The vaccine is 97% effective after two doses of the vaccine, the first at 12-15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Only 3 out of every 100 people vaccinated will contract the measles and the disease is typically much milder than those who are unvaccinated. So your best protection is vaccination.

Here are the facts about measles.
• Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure.
• Symptoms begin with high fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes.
• Two to three days later small white spots may appear in the mouth called Koplik spots.
• During days three to five the trademark rash will appear, starting as flat red spots at the hairline spreading downward to the neck, body and then outward to the arms, legs and feet.
• The flat red spots may become raised and then the spots may run together as the rash spreads.
• Symptoms may last up to a week.
• The measles is spread through coughing, sneezing and contacting a contaminated surface as the virus can survive up to two hours outside its human host.
• The measles is highly contagious infecting up to 90% of unimmunized people who come into contact with an infected person.
• Infected individuals are contagious for four days before and four days after the rash appears.
• Complications of the measles include pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea, ear infections and death.
• A very rare and serious complication is subacute sclerosing pancephalitis (SSPE) that occurs 7 to 10 years after a person has contracted and recovered from the measles. It affects the central nervous system and is fatal.

Remember vaccination is your best protection and if you are unsure if you are immune or had the vaccination ask your doctor for laboratory confirmation that you are immune or you can get the vaccine. There is no harm in receiving the vaccine again if you did as a child. You will need to receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine separated by 28 days.

]]>http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/02/04/measles-what-you-need-to-know-by-dr-laurie-marbas/feed/0Skip the New Year’s Resolutions and Instead Focus on Lifetime Commitments by Dr. Laurie Marbashttp://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/01/05/skip-the-new-years-resolutions-and-instead-focus-on-lifetime-commitments-by-dr-laurie-marbas/
http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/2015/01/05/skip-the-new-years-resolutions-and-instead-focus-on-lifetime-commitments-by-dr-laurie-marbas/#commentsMon, 05 Jan 2015 16:16:41 +0000http://grandriverhospitaldistrict.org/?p=9155Who among us has not made a New Year’s resolution only to watch it drift away over a course of days to weeks, never accomplished? The gyms are full the first few days of the New Year only to be empty the following week. How do the few who make serious changes in their lives do it? Here is a simple method to help you realize your goals and not only conquer those New Year’s resolutions but transform your life.

1. First you must be mentally prepared. Goals and dreams start with desires to achieve something you have not done before. You can sit and daydream but that gets you nowhere fast. Change requires action and that requires getting very specific about your goal and being laser focused on it. Your goals should be realistic and time bound. For example, your goal is weight loss. You must be clear-cut on what you mean by weight loss. Do you want to lose 2 pounds a week or lose 50 pounds in a year? Do you want to lose the muffin top or see your six-pack abs? Do you want to run 3 miles in a month for an upcoming fun run or run a marathon in 6 months? The fantastic thing about goals is you get to decide what defines your success! Now that you have a goal move on to the next step.

2. Write down your goal! When you write down your objectives it makes them real and tangible. When you take the time to think about them and write them down it solidifies it, like a contract with yourself. Be specific about how you want to reach your goals. Will you change your diet completely over night or gradually? Will you run for exercise or do cross fit? There is no right or wrong road but you must take the first step to begin your transformation! You must be the leader of your own journey, no one else can live your life for yourself.

3. Call in the troops. Humans were not intended to live alone. We are social creatures and when we share our desires and goals with others there is an added pressure to succeed. It is a lot easier to turn off the alarm early in the morning when you are only accountable to yourself but when your friend will be meeting you for a morning run at the track you will get up.

4. Find the passion that is fueling your goals. When you get stuck in a rut and don’t want to continue on your quest, emotions are what will get you moving again. Champions are not made when they win a race, they are created with the sweat, tears and the daily grind before the race ever happened. Focus on the end result and imagine the emotions tied to YOUR victory, not anyone else’s but your very own! What will be like to know that you succeeded in changing the course of your life’s journey? Here is a hint, it will be glorious! You will be ready to take on another challenge because your spark has now turned into a roaring fire and the confidence is addicting and you will not want to let go of it!